May 17, 2005 - A lot has been happening since the last entry but it is a bit redundant to maintain a running commentary on the photo page as well as here.  Please visit the Pictures of the Project Work on our internal server site.

April 7, 2005 - Well, they did not work around the clock as there is evidently some county noise ordinance that they had to comply with.  However, I wish they could have just to get this phase of work over sooner.  As it was, the highway was restricted to one lane for a couple of weeks which required flaggers to work around the clock.  During the night, generators and floodlights bathed the house in light and a low rumble.  Very difficult to sleep.

Yesterday afternoon, the lights were packed up, holes patched up, and the crews left.  It was a great night's sleep!  Drainage problems still exist but the onsite ODOT Inspector told me to refer the issue up the chain of command.  I took pictures and emailed the folks that I have worked with in the past.  I am hopeful that issues are rectified soon.

Pictures and caption information is posted on the picture page more regularly than this blog.

March 22, 2005 - Learned that this Friday night, the crew will be working all night paving our side of the road.  The plan is to re-route traffic Saturday morning onto this new roadbed next to the new curb that is being installed today.

Starting Monday (March 28) the contractor will be working around the clock to install the new drain pipes on Hwy 213 in front of our house.  The estimate is that this 24-hour work phase will take 3 or 4 days.

March 11, 2005 - Have not made any entries for the past few days as the work has been focused on the new Molalla Avenue road and the widening at the south end of the project.  The new southbound lane is paved and this morning they painted the lines.  Additionally, they graded, graveled, and compacted the new tuning radius onto Liberal Way.

Today they also started skimming the dirt off of the soon to be roadbed on our side of the highway.  Refer to the pictures I added on the image page.  It really seems like they are way ahead of schedule.  Especially considering that they originally were not scheduled to begin work until the end of March.  This is an amazingly weird weather year, in the mid-70s today, and a perfect year for this kind of work to occur.

March 2, 2005 - The utility work is pretty much done (I think).  There is probably hook up work to complete but all of there heavy equipment is gone.

Today the heavy equipment of the road contractor moved in and they began the process of digging the new ditch and using the soil to fill in the old ditch thus creating the basis of the new road bed.  More pictures and update info added on the image page.

February 11, 2005 - The utility work is still underway.  It seems as if they will never be done and out of our hair.  It is really noisy, messy, visually upsetting, and the power outages have been disruptive.  It has been about five weeks since they started and it still looks like they (mainly NW Natural Gas) won't be done for weeks.  I hope that they surprise me.

February 4, 2005 - More pictures and update info added on the image page.

February 1, 2005 - I have met with the ODOT project managers, the general contractor (Nutter) that won the project bid, with the natural gas company (NW Natural) and with the electric company (PGE).  You can see pictures by clicking here.

NW Natural has been working on pipeline moves for a few weeks now and from the looks of it, I would guess that they will be at it for a couple more.  PGE has set the new poles for the main power transmission lines and is working on stringing the lines.

Wednesday, January 11, 2005 - Well the project is underway.  Sometime last week the utility companies began the initial stages in preparation for relocating power poles and lines, gas pipes, etc.  I received an email from the ODOT project manager today saying that he just heard that the contractor was planning on beginning the project at the end of this month instead of the end of March.  Yikes!  The plants that I want to rescue and move in the path of destruction are barely dormant.  It is time to get busy!!!

October 22, 2004 - Dad removed all of the old fence wire from the driveway up to the corner of the field.  John and I pulled all of the fence posts and relocated them inside the new property boundary.  It really makes the chunk of land we lost obvious.  You can see pictures by clicking here.

Saturday, July 30, 2004 - This is just a "catch-up" entry.  The appraisal seemed unbiased and pretty fair.  It is a done deal.  Paperwork is sign, the project design is complete with all of our compromises and negotiations, and it should go out for bid in August and scheduled to start in the spring.  This will give us time to relocate some plants and move a field fence.

In a nutshell, the original design from a decade ago would have cost us a couple of acres and forced us to relocate out house on the property.  It would have also caused the loss of several very old trees.  The final design required a little over a half acre and if all goes well, the trees will be spared by using curbs, culverts and guard rails instead of huge, wide, open ditches.  This design also required less land.

We hope to be able to afford the cost of erecting a concrete wall along the property line separating the highway from our front yard.  Along with the physical barrier, we are hopeful that it will deflect some of the noise.

If I was asked to make a recommendation to anyone dealing with a road project like this, I would highly suggest that you get to know everyone involved.  Keeping an open mind is also helpful.  Realize that a public project will generally occur whether you want it too or not.  Establishing personal relationships with the folks that plan the project, design it, determine your compensation, etc., is highly beneficial.  They are people too and understand that their decisions not only benefit all of the citizenry in the area, but impact your life as well.  They have a job to do and from every one I met, they felt a sense of responsibility to their employers - the citizens of Oregon.

Monday, April 12, 2004 - A property appraiser, hired by ODOT, was out today to begin working on setting a value on the land, fences, and landscaping that they will be removing.

Coincidentally, commencement of the demolition of the two houses on the corner of Liberal Way and Highway 213 began.

Friday, March 5, 2004 - ODOT surveyors were on the farm to drive stakes to outline the proposed right-of-way requirements for the project.  The area directly in front of the house and gardens has been minimized as much as possible and still accomplish the road widening but the impact to the field seems to a bit drastic.  I will call and talk to Rick this next week.

Rick explained that they have to install the wide safe ditches and this is why the amount of property being taken is so great.

Wednesday, January 11, 2003 - Well the project is underway.  Sometime last week the utility companies began the initial stages in preparation for relocating power poles and lines, gas pipes, etc.  I received an email from the ODOT project manager today saying that he just heard that the contractor was planning on beginning the project at the end of this month instead of the end of March.  Yikes!  The plants that I want to rescue and move in the path of destruction are barely dormant.  It is time to get busy!!!

Saturday, July 30, 2004 - This is just a "catch-up" entry.  The appraisal seemed unbiased and pretty fair.  It is a done deal.  Paperwork is sign, the project design is complete with all of our compromises and negotiations, and it should go out for bid in August and scheduled to start in the spring.  This will give us time to relocate some plants and move a field fence.

In a nutshell, the original design from a decade ago would have cost us a couple of acres and forced us to relocate out house on the property.  It would have also caused the loss of several very old trees.  The final design required a little over a half acre and if all goes well, the trees will be spared by using curbs, culverts and guard rails instead of huge, wide, open ditches.  This design also required less land.

We hope to be able to afford the cost of erecting a concrete wall along the property line separating the highway from our front yard.  Along with the physical barrier, we are hopeful that it will deflect some of the noise.

If I was asked to make a recommendation to anyone dealing with a road project like this, I would highly suggest that you get to know everyone involved.  Keeping an open mind is also helpful.  Realize that a public project will generally occur whether you want it too or not.  Establishing personal relationships with the folks that plan the project, design it, determine your compensation, etc., is highly beneficial.  They are people too and understand that their decisions not only benefit all of the citizenry in the area, but impact your life as well.  They have a job to do and from every one I met, they felt a sense of responsibility to their employers - the citizens of Oregon.

Monday, April 12, 2004 - A property appraiser, hired by ODOT, was out today to begin working on setting a value on the land, fences, and landscaping that they will be removing.

Coincidentally, commencement of the demolition of the two houses on the corner of Liberal Way and Highway 213 began.

Friday, March 5, 2004 - ODOT surveyors were on the farm to drive stakes to outline the proposed right-of-way requirements for the project.  The area directly in front of the house and gardens has been minimized as much as possible and still accomplish the road widening but the impact to the field seems to a bit drastic.  I will call and talk to Rick this next week.

Rick explained that they have to install the wide safe ditches and this is why the amount of property being taken is so great.

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - I arrived at the office to a voice mail from Rick Keene, not in reference to my question about the increase in the amount of right-of-way being taken, but bringing up the issue of driveways into the properties from the road.  This issue of highway access was suppose to have been finalized with our agreed to compromise as outlined on May 20, 2003.  With the receipt of the right-of-way acquisition drawing, ODOT's side of the compromise appears to be reneged on.

In discussing the issue with him, he went back to the designer and they were able to use a guard rail all the way from the south driveway to the north driveway and thus reduce the amount of land required in front of the house and farmyard.

Thursday, January 8, 2004 - Received a call from the local Molalla CPO representative.  He said that he was meeting with Rick Keene to address some of the design issues that he presented in a letter.  It sounded like most had to do with the corner properties on Liberal Way.  He is interested in having them maintain the mature trees and plant with native plants to provide wildlife habitat.

Friday, December 24, 2003 - Received a letter from Darlene Rose, the right-of-way representative.  It contained a map of physical area that ODOT is planning on acquiring from us for the project.  It seems that I did in fact understand the drawings that were sent to me in August.  It looks like an old map and the land they are planning on acquiring looks like the old plan.  I called and talked to Rick Keene and he said that he would make some calls and let me know what was going on.

Wednesday, August 6, 2003 - Rick Keene called and was a bit upset with me.  Before sending me the drawing he had warned me that there were lines on there that I might not understand and that he wanted to go over it with me in person.  The drawing is still very preliminary (the drainage portion is not even designed) and several features like a curb and guard rail, were actually on the drawing.

I apologized for jumping the gun by sending out the email without waiting instead for our meeting.  He accepted my apology and said, "we'll try our best to minimize the project effects to the farm and house."

Tootie Smith's Chief of Staff emailed thanking me for keeping them in the loop.

Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - I emailed Rick Keene (copying Darlene Rose, who was at the May 20th meeting) as well as State Representative, Tootie Smith's office. I said:

Saturday, August 2, 2003 - Received the drawing that Rick sent on Friday, August 1.  It was so upsetting that I withheld contacting ODOT (Rick Keene) about it until I had time to calm down a bit.

Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - I emailed Rick back stating that a Thursday meeting was fine but to please go ahead and send me out the latest drawing in the mean time.

Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - Received a voice message from Rick Keene stating that he had received my email and that the latest design was "difficult to read" that I "may or may not be able to decipher", and that he would prefer to meet with me again in person to go over it.  He said that he wanted to meet here with the actual designer to go over it.

Monday, July 21, 2003 - Another month had passed so I emailed Rick Keene asking what the outcome of the meeting had been.

Thursday, June 19, 2003 - Rick emailed back stating that he had a, " . . . team meeting scheduled next week. I haven't seen the latest drawings but the designer was instructed to include the provisions you and I discussed. I'll pass it on to you after the meeting."  He concluded the email with, " I appreciate you e-mailing me asking for updates. I'll make it a point to keep you in the loop. Take care."

Wednesday, June 18, 2003 - Emailed Rick Keene asking if he could send me a new drawing showing the design modifications that we agreed upon at our meeting a month prior.  I also asked to be kept in the loop about the project status.

Friday, July 11, 2003 - I was not able to attend the June 16th Planning Commission Meeting but did receive a status update from Kay Pollack of the County Planning Division.

She said, "The Commission continued the Green Corridors hearing until November 17th, with a work session scheduled on September 22. They asked staff to come back with a more definitive interpretation of the County's requirement to Metro to comply with the Green Corridors provisions, as well as refinement of the identified problems. Generally the Commission expressed concern that if there are gaps in the existing ordinance provisions, and if different review procedures and criteria are needed, then they should address the entire rural area, not merely two highway corridors. They asked staff to prepare a suggested process for doing that.

A subcommittee of the Planning Commission has been appointed (Comm. Johnson, Comm. Pearson, and Comm. Andreen) to work with staff in refining the charge and preparing a proposal to accomplish that charge."

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 - I still have not heard back from the ODOT advocate but I assume that it is because of the scheduled meeting today.  I did get a call from State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff.  She said that she had talked to the advocate yesterday and that she was told that they had "four plans" to present to me and that she would be contacting me.  Although I did not hear from her, I assume that she meant that they had solutions to my four main concerns.

Rick Keene, Project Planner, and Darlene Rose, Senior Right of Way Agent, arrived at about 10:30 A.M. to go over our concerns and to present some ideas and alternatives.

Right up front he said that the plan to cut the grade of the road to increase the safe travel speed has been dropped.  That was very unexpected.  Logically, since this area is a 45 M.P.H. speed zone, it just did not make sense to "speed the road up" by lowering the grade.  It would have meant that people would be speeding past the house at 75 and 85 M.P.H. instead of 55 and 65 M.P.H.

He then discussed the ODOT position that access points onto the Highway 213 corridor are serious concerns and need to be limited.  Since our properties have four access points (driveways) onto the highway, they are trying to limit them.  They agreed to replace the southern driveway onto the separate tax parcel but wanted to present an alternative solution to existing farm and house driveways.

Basically they want to merge the use of our southern farm entry point with the house driveway and removing the existing house driveway.  I said that this would be a compromise I would accept if we were able to preserve at least the oak tree that is hundreds of years old and implement the other design features that will:

• Minimize the setback (mainly with the use of storm drains / culverts and curbs instead of ditches).

• Modify the design to preserve the ancient oak tree.

• Install guard rails for safety. (This was Rick's idea not mine)

• Install visual/noise barrier (concrete wall) from driveway to driveway.

• Replace fences, gates, and landscaping.

This would keep us from having to take the alternative course of action which was to fight to move our house further back into the property.

As he was leaving, I asked Rick how long it would be before we heard back with a decision.  He said, "right now.  If this is what you want, this is what we'll do".

He said that it will be about two months before they hear approval of the overall plan based on the perceived impact to the view of the "historic" barn on Stipp's old place.  They have purchased one house across the street next to the church and are proceeding with the purchase of the one on the corner.  Both will be removed soon.

From my interactions and conversations over the years and months with both Rick and Darlene, my heart really likes them and I believe that they are working hard for a compromise that meets the safety and design goals of the state while maintaining the livability and safety of our farm, home and business.  My head trusts and prays that what has been promised will be done and that I am not bring naive.

I will update the ODOT advocate regarding what Rick presented and promised today.

Monday,  May 19, 2003 - I attended the "Planning Commission Public Hearing to consider the Planning Commission's recommendations on the proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Development Ordinance amendments (File ZDO-197) to create and implement a Green Corridor Design Plan for areas bordering segments of Highways 99E and 213".  The county staff members presented their proposal (click here for zoning changes) to the planning commissioners.  They asked staff a few questions and then the various CPOs had the opportunity to speak.

Mulino CPO's representative made a statement, as I expected, basically saying that the proposed 1000 foot from the highway centerline (2000 total) setback was excessive and that 500 feet total was better.  Not that the plan was unnecessary. He then made a presentation of additional restrictions he wanted included in the proposed zoning changes pertaining to lighting.  Specifically the wattage and direction of lighting.  This was very specific, and part of his personal involvement with the "Dark Skies Initiative" (additional links here) and that bright lights are disruptive to his night driving as he has a detached retina.

Carus CPO expressed opposition to the proposal.  The speaker was a multi-generation farm resident.

Molalla CPO's Dick Miller made a statement in opposition but then made comments similar to Mulino's regarding the width of the affected area and then presented information about how cell towers should be painted and otherwise camouflaged to look like fir trees.

With the CPO testimony concluded, the chairperson asked from public testimony in favor of the proposal.  No one was there in favor and the audience laughed loudly.  She asked for testimony in opposition and was met with multitudes of hands.

As the evening of testimony progressed, several common themes emerged.

• The property owners potentially affected by this proposal were never surveyed nor properly represented.

• The county should not enter into Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with the cities of Oregon City, Molalla and Canby as they have no jurisdiction nor authority over these areas and should have no say in issues that affect the rights of these property owners.

• Nor does Metro have any rights to dictate and impose additional zoning restrictions.

• Current zoning and land use regulations are doing the job at meeting all of the "Green Corridors" goals.  The question was raised as to why try and fix something that isn't broke.

• Property ownership in America is a foundational principle.  This should not be further restricted beyond what it already is.

Testimony continued until 11:00 P.M. when the planning commissioners agreed that there were too many issues to resolve and that the process was too rushed.  A motion was made to leave the public record open 5:30 P.M. on Monday, June 16th and adjourn again at 6:30 P.M. on that date for further discussion and vote.  I hope and pray that democracy is proven to work, that common sense and logic prevail, and that this stopped before going any further.

If it passes, it moves up the the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, June 18th at 9:30 A.M.

The fundamental concept is sound.  I hope that our farm will remain a viable agricultural property for generations to come.  It is already zoned for exclusive farm use.  The "Green Corridor" would simply force a facade along the highway.  Much like driving along a highway and marveling at the beauty of the forest that you are driving through only to realize that the land is clear-cut just inside a certain boundary line.

It does nothing to actually protect farmland from development nor protect it permanently.  The "Green Corridor" is only valid until the urban growth boundaries of the Portland Metro Area and Canby or Molalla gobble up the surrounding land.  All of the other issues are addressed in rules and zoning code already on the books.  If these were enforced, on a county wide basis, not just along the main highways of 99E and 213, the county would be a much more beautiful place.

Friday, May 16, 2003 - The Senior Right of Way Agent called and asked if she could come out to see the property.  We had met her at the March public meeting and had invited her out.  I told her that Rick was coming out, possibly Tuesday, and that she should contact him and perhaps share a ride.

Thursday, May 15, 2003 - I received an email from Rick Keene, the Project Team Leader, in response to my email requesting an update to the plan.  I specifically asked to see several items updated on the plan drawing.  The main points were to restore the field access driveway for the southeast parcel, restore our south farm entrance driveway, use a culvert and curb system for drainage instead of the wide, high impact "safety ditch" design, protection of the old trees - especially the old oak tree, implementation of safety, visual, and noise suppression features.  He replied today asking if we could get together onsite to discuss some ideas and compromises but said that the upper driveway was not "permitted", that is, there was no permit granted in the past, so it would net be restored.

I replied to the email stating that the driveway was there in the 30s when my Grandparents purchased the property, it was there in the 80s, when I purchased the property, and it is the only access point to that parcel which is a separate tax lot.

Thursday,  May 15, 2003 - Mulino, Molalla, and Carus CPOs (Citizen Planning Organizations) combined meeting to discuss the "Green Corridor" project.  I was very disappointed in the fatalistic attitudes of the CPO "board" members.  They statement was made that "this plan is going to happen anyway, we just want to work with them to make it as palatable as possible".

This is simply wrong!  The government still works for us and should be doing the job that we want them to.  They are not supposed to invent things to do, create new areas of responsibility for no reason and certainly not work on plans and processes that create confusion, redundancies, and trampling on the rights of citizens who own property.  This "Green Corridor" study does all of these things.

I left the meeting angry, sad, and disappointed.  The CPOs are supposed to exist as a representative body made up of local property owners.  What I witnessed was a tiny handful of people, many of whom have very specific personal interests, controlling the opinion presented to the county planning commission.

The people presently active in the CPOs are not completely to blame.  I, for example, will be more diligent in my involvement in future sessions and be sure to make my voice heard.  Citizens, especially in Oregon it seems, cannot sit back and take it for granted that the government will take care of things and do what is right.  Nor should they hold the attitudes that they are powerless in the process.  We are the government and if they do not hear from us, they hear from the minority of special interest groups that have very specific agendas which are often counter to logic, personal freedom or economic reason.

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 - I emailed State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff to ask if she had heard any news and to tell her the latest with ODOTs advocate as well as that I emailed the project planner asking for a status update.

Tuesday,  May 13, 2003 - The ODOT advocate emailed and said that she had received information, will be reviewing it, and attempt to get back to me this week.

Friday,  May 9, 2003 - I emailed the ODOT advocate asking for an update.

Tuesday,  May 7, 2003 - Received a letter requesting that we sign a "Right-Of-Entry" authorization for the ODOT archeologist visually inspect the area proposed to be impacted by the highway project.

Wednesday,  April 16, 2003 - The person from ODOT, an advocate, emailed to tell me that she had received information from State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff and would discuss the issues with the design team.

Tuesday,  April 15, 2003 - I emailed State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff to confirm receipt of the voicemail messages and to thank her for keeping the ball rolling.

Monday,  April 14, 2003 - State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff called (I was out in the field and missed the call).  She left messages that stated that she was in contact with a person from ODOT about our safety concerns and desire to have the house relocated.  She forwarded the person our original email and they are supposed to contact me within the next couple of days.

Thursday, April 10, 2003 - Attended the public open house that the county was holding.  The "Green Corridor" project was being presented as a done deal.  The county rep was using terminology implying that the property owners wanted these additional zoning restrictions placed on their land.  I do not have a lot of first hand, personal experience dealing with government workers any more, but it amazed me how condescending they treated me and when drawn into a sound, logical debate on the issues, how quick they were to get out of the area - literally, stop listening and left the room!  Ignorant and asinine come to mind as proper adjectives.  Click here for the project history.

I did meet a couple of other land owners there that are vehemently opposed to this "Proposed adoption of ZDO-197.  Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Development Ordinance amendment to create and implement a Green Corridor Design Plan for areas bordering segments of Highways 99E and 213."

The county rep kept using terms implying that this is something that "we" wanted.  I asked him to define.  After a few rounds of side-stepping and double-talk, I asked him a specific question about "who" is driving this effort and "who" is paying for all of the resources (print, posters, postage, labor, etc.).  He answered that it is from a "Metro" grant. [Metro is a super-governmental organization with power just under the state and over the county and local governments in a tri-county region of Oregon.  And you thought your area had too much government!].  So, basically, what he said is that "we" (actually people in a small, powerful, special interest population in the city) want to ensure that their (rare) weekend excursions into the country are "protected" but without any impact on their lives and all of the impact on the rural landowners.  Sweet deal.

Thursday,  March 27, 2003 - State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff left a message stating that she was still researching but my voicemail box filled up an d I missed part of the message.

Tuesday,  March 25, 2003 - Had a nice conversation with State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff.  I explained our concerns, our historical background, and our connection to the community.  She is going to speak with State Representative, Tootie Smith's office tomorrow and see what course of action to take.  She said that she would call back Thursday afternoon.

Wednesday,  March 12, 2003 - Resent the email per Dianne's phone request

Tuesday,  March 11, 2003 - Received a phone message from State Representative, Tootie Smith's office Chief of Staff, Dianne.  She said that she had been on personal leave and that she had received Denise's message from February 28th.  She said that she did not see the email that I sent on February 22nd and assumed that one of the legislative assistants had already replied to us. (This is not the case).  She said that we could try calling again or since she is now back in the office, email her again.  As soon as I get today's orders out, I will write another email outlining the issues, the concerns, and what we would like to see happen.

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 - Received a call from a customer offering support and saying that they had a similar event happen to them.  They were able to avert having the old trees in front of their place from being removed for a road widening project but that it was a long fight.

Tuesday,  March 4, 2003 - No contact from State Representative, Tootie Smith's office office.  Met with the ODOT project leader at 3:00 this afternoon at our house.  He brought the drawings that were to scale and with more detail.  It illustrated that the road is drastically changing in front of our house.  It is almost incomprehensible and hard to imagine.  The road is currently level with our property.  They will be lowering the grade of the road by about 3 feet.  At the same time they will be widening the road to the current right-of-way and beyond.  All of the ancient trees will be removed and the house will be exposed to very dangerous highway traffic.  We are praying that it works out to be feasible to move our house to a safer set back distance.

The public meeting was at 5:30 this afternoon and we got a chance to meet with the senior right of way manager for the project.  It was her first day on the job as here boss unexpectedly took early retirement.  We were able to get to know her and she us.  We were able to describe our history in the area, our commitment to the community, and our concerns.  We invited her out to see the place some sunny day.

Everyone we have met seems to be very nice and I believe that it is good that they can meet the people that the plans are affecting.  At the same time it is beneficial for us to meet and get to know them so that they are not simply faceless bureaucrats.

Monday, March 3, 2003 - Nothing to report.  No call from State Representative, Tootie Smith's office office.

Friday,  February 28, 2003 - Received an email from the project manager.  He suggested coming out with better drawings so that he could explain the current design on site.  It is hard to wait but it has been hanging over all of our plans for 10 years.  Another couple of days of uncertainty will have to do.

Denise called State Representative, Tootie Smith's office but was told by the person that answered the phone that the assistant we needed to talk to was out and that they would call Monday.

Thursday, February 27, 2003 - We still have not receive any acknowledgement of my email from State Representative, Tootie Smith or her office.  Denise called but got voicemail so she left a message.  I have received a couple of referrals to legal firms specializing in land use and eminent domain issues.

The manager sent me a sketch of the project drawing.  Click here to see it.  I shaded the part of the drawing representing our farm.  I emailed Mr. Keene to ask for better drawings.

Monday, February 24, 2003 - I did not receive any acknowledgement of my email from State Representative, Tootie Smith or her office today.  Although we work all weekend, Monday's are still one of our busiest days of the week.  Answering correspondence, filling and shipping orders, etc. take priority so tomorrow Denise will call and I will send a registered letter.  We won't know a lot until we see a copy of the plan.  The public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2003, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Molalla Fire Department.

Saturday, February 22, 2003 - Life is never dull or boring here on the farm.  Even though I rarely get off of the farm except for on Sunday, the internet connection and phone provide me with the ability to talk with friends, family and customers, all over the world, on a daily basis.  It is amazing the number of relatives I have "met" over the years as well as the friendships established.

History is alive here on the farm.  It is so entwined with my daily life that it is hard to explain without going into a long dissertation.  In a nutshell, working the same ground and living in the same house of my ancestors is awesome.  It is never taken for granted.

A New / Old Battle

Unfortunately, the farm is not an island and the present converges on and impacts the past.  I was informed on Friday (2/21/03) that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is on a fast track to reopen a project that was shelved back in 1992.  They intend to widen and re-grade the highway in front of the house to a point where we would lose nearly all of our front yard (including the all of the old trees) bringing the highway and ditches within feet of our front door.

Without understanding the traffic load that this highway supports, it is hard for people to grasp the severity of the issue.  Highway 213 is a major state highway that feeds this part of the county.  Thousands of vehicles pass in front of my house daily.  Much of this traffic includes large vehicles supporting the industries out here (tractor-trailers, log trucks, dump trucks, propane carriers, fuel tankers, etc.).

If this plan is implemented as ODOT intends, there will be nothing to prevent some sleepy truck driver or drunk driver from plowing into our house.  It would be only a matter of time.  As it is now, deep ditches and large trees have saved us!  Can you imagine going to bed every night having to wonder if tonight was the night that you get slammed into?  I cannot.  Additionally, we have concerns regarding the impact the traffic will have on the integrity of our old wood framed house when roaring past at such a close distance.

I have emailed my State Representative, Tootie Smith, asking for her to get involved in the project so that we are not run over by "progress".